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I cannot believe that we only have two weeks left, which also sadly means that this will be my last post for this semester. 🙁 This week, I really wanted to look at a place closer to us—so close you are practically in it. If you haven’t guessed already, I’m talking about Pennsylvania. I have lived here for more than 17 years, yet coming to State College was the first time I ventured past Southern PA. My friends and I are going to be attempting a road trip upstate this summer, so here are just a few of our stops along the way.

I’m not sure why this is so surprising, but Pennsylvania does have beaches contrary to what I have been told my entire life. Although they aren’t exactly connected to a major ocean, the commonwealth does boast many lakeside beaches, including the ones in Presque Isle State Park.

The park is Pennsylvania’s only “seashore” and spans over 3,200 acres on a peninsula in Lake Erie. Some of the more popular beaches include Lyons Beach (includes volleyball courts, changing areas and concessions) and Mill Road Beaches (quiet shoreline for leisure walking). Presque Isle also offers many other fun activities such as surfing, scuba diving, wildlife viewing and even skiing if conditions allow. And if you’re looking for beaches a little closer to Penn State, Bald Eagle State Park offers the Joseph Foster Sayers Reservoir, a man-made lake with a small sandy beach.

It’s only 30 minutes away and is perfect for a weekend getaway even if you don’t like beaches. 

Something I have wanted to see my entire life are waterfalls that combine my love for a good hike. In PA, the best falls are located in the Poconos and Raymondskill Falls is no exception. Located in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Raymondskill Falls is the tallest waterfall in the state at 178 feet tall.

The falls consist of a series of three cascading waterfalls that if measured on top of one another, is nearly the length of Niagara Falls themselves. But, the best thing has to be that there are tons of walking trails that are perfect for everyone from beginners to more experienced hikers; one of them is a quarter mile loop that takes you to Raymondskill Creek and two viewing areas.

Next stop: Harrisburg. I’ve met a ton of people from the state’s capital ever since I came here and the idea of visiting Harrisburg has never been so intriguing. Obviously, the first place I would stop by is the State Capitol, which is actually the third capitol built after moving the seat of government from Philadelphia to Harrisburg; the first, Hills Capitol, was destroyed in a fire in 1897 and the second, Cobb Capitol, was never actually finished. Finished in 1906, the building is often referred to as a “palace of art,” featuring many Pennsylvanian paintings, sculptures and stained glass windows.

However, since then, Harrisburg has become a glittering city with rich Pennsylvania Dutch culture and nightlife. And who can forget the beautiful skyline right next to the Susquehanna river? 

Pennsylvania is such an amazing state that I am so glad to live in. You can find fast-paced cities and the peaceful outdoors just minutes apart. There are so many other places I plan on visiting this summer, but these are just three I’m really looking forward to!

Savannah, Georgia is intriguing to me. I mean, the only reason it’s on my bucket list is because I have a guilty pleasure of watching TikToks of bachelorette parties and weddings in this Southern city. If you couldn’t tell already, I’m a sucker for historic and charming cities and Savannah checks both of these boxes! Separated from the South Carolina border by the Savannah River, this coastal city is actually one of the oldest cities in the US and is currently an industrial center with a rich history.

With beautiful swooping oak trees and blooming flowers, Forsyth Park is a beautiful way to spend the day in nature. Located on nearly 30 acres of land, it is the largest and oldest public park in the state named after Georgia Governor John Forsyth in 1851. One of the most interesting features is The Garden of Fragrance, which is actually created from an old World War I training fort; now, it’s home to over 60 scented plants and designed specifically for those who are visually impaired (it’s also wheelchair accessible!).

However, don’t let the park’s name fool you. Forsyth Park is more than just trees and walking trails. With its prime location within the historic district, the park is surrounded by National Historic Landmarks such as houses once owned by famous figures in the 19th century. Another popular attraction is the Forsyth Park’s fountain, a product of the city’s effort to model the park after Parisian landscapes. It was constructed in 1858 and is now a beautiful place to relax and maybe even grab a quick bite. 

It’s time for something a little different and more…spooky! If you love to be scared (like me), the 90 minute ghost tour in the heart of the city is perfect for you! With a costumed tour guide and candlelight after sundown, you get to learn about the supernatural and eerie happenings since the past century.

But, don’t take my word for it. There are so many reviews raving about the excellent storytelling that will whisk you right into the historic spooky tales. 

Remember how I said Savannah is right by the river? Well, that makes for a great waterfront! Fittingly named River Street, you’ll not only see historic cotton warehouses, but also a beautiful open-air marketplace with over 100 booths and shops.

Stop by and find yourself a new art installation, homemade food, candles and literally anything else you can think of. Even if you’re trying to stay on a budget, River Street is perfect for strolling or just sitting down and enjoying the views. 

Savannah is also home to several art museums. One that is particularly interesting is the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) Museum of Art. This is one of the newest and holds intriguing contemporary art from around the world. It’s also staffed by SCAD students, so you can even support their education by visiting! On the other hand, Telfair museums is the first public art museum in the southern states and comprises three buildings, each with a collection from a specific time period. 

There is so much to do in Savannah and I probably only covered a fraction of it. In fact, I didn’t even get to mention the beaches; Tybee Island, known for its sandy beaches and pier, is only a 20 minute drive from the city! So, if you ever go down South, make a stop at this Georgian city.

 

I know I said I would mainly focus on the US for my bucket list, but I couldn’t resist bringing up San Juan at least once (it’s a US territory so, I guess it kind of counts 🙂). This has been on my bucket list for such a long time and I actually got to go 2 years ago. It was definitely an interesting experience, especially with COVID regulations, but I would love to go back and visit some of the old (and new) spots! Since it is one of the oldest European cities in the Americas that was established in 1521, the Puerto Rican capital is a beautiful blend of cosmopolitan pursuits and colonial history. 

The first thing I would do when you arrive is dip your feet in the Atlantic Ocean and relax at the numerous beaches in San Juan. I highly recommend Condado Beach, which is only a short walk away from most hotels and resorts.

Although it isn’t safe for swimming due to strong undercurrents, it’s great for lounging and grabbing a bite at local street carts and traditional restaurants. However, if you are looking to cool off in the salty ocean, Escambron Beach is a great option for snorkeling, scuba diving, and getting great views of the shoreline.

Get transported back in time in Old San Juan, the heart of the colonial city. One thing that will definitely stick out are the castillos (“castles” in Spanish) and historic defense forts once used by the Spanish Empire’s military  as early as 1533. Some notable ones include La Fortaleza (the first fortification) and Castillo San Felipe del Morro.

The majority of them are located at the San Juan National Historic Site alongside powder houses and three fourths of the old city wall. 

However, history doesn’t just mean defense in Old San Juan. My favorite look into the past actually came from roaming the Calles (“streets” in Spanish) with the beautiful brightly-colored buildings and cobblestone/brick roads. Now, these buildings are homes, hotels, stores, and restaurants for tourists and locals to enjoy.

 If you keep walking, you may even see the Plaza de Armas, the main square, complete with San Juan City Hall and the Puerto Rico Department of State. However, the main attraction has to be the round fountain with four statues; each one representing a different season. 

The last place I want to bring up is the Puerto Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay in Vieques, a small island off the eastern coast. It’s a short ferry ride away and one of the most magnificent things you will see. If you go at the right time, the entire bay will be lit an electrifying blue thanks to Pyrodinium bahamense, a type of marine plankton that glows when agitated.

Sadly, I never got a chance to go due to some closures, but this site is definitely on “things to do” if I visit again. 

Even though I already went to this beautiful Caribbean island, I would not mind going again to take in the color, culture and of course, paradise. 

 

I was feeling a little lost on what this post would be about, so I thought it was the right time to move my blog in another direction: a more US-centric bucket list. And first up is Seattle, WA. This seems a little random compared to the rest of my list, but I’ve watched too many things set in this rainy city from a young age (Grey’s Anatomy and iCarly anyone?).  Yes, I know the actual filming didn’t take place here, but Seattle seems like a beautiful place that I would love to visit in the near future. Coffee capital, the arts and nature. What more do you need?

When you think of Seattle, you probably only know of the Space Needle. This 605 ft tall tower has become an icon for the city since its opening during the 1962 World’s fair. I, for the longest time, assumed that it was just an observatory deck to see the cityscape, so I was shocked when I learned there’s actually a cocktail lounge. Although you have to be 21+ for the the lounge, anyone can experience the world’s first revolving glass floor with unobstructed views of downtown Seattle, the Cascades and Olympic mountain ranges and so much more.

To all my coffee fans, did you know that Seattle is actually home to Starbucks’ headquarters. What’s even more shocking is that the multinational coffee chain’s founders opened the original shop in Pike Place Market, a public farmers’ market downtown, in 1971. Although the location changed, the store has kept its historic charm (complete with the old logo) from day one, which is definitely something we don’t see in Starbucks franchises near us. 

And if you think that’s cool, there is also a Starbucks Reserve Roastery a mile away, offering rare and high-quality coffee and Italian food. You can even join a tour of the multi-story building and get a deeper glimpse into the art of roastery.

Speaking of history, Seattle’s Pioneer Square has a rich background, especially since it was once the heart of the city when the city founders settled here in 1852.

Now, it’s home  to art galleries, boutiques and an amazing night life. But, something I’ve never seen anywhere else has to be the Beneath the Streets tours. It’s exactly what it sounds like: tour guides take you into underground passageways and give you a glimpse into how a indigenous encampment became one of the largest cities in the US. 

Nature is also a big part of Seattle earning the nickname “Emerald City.”  The mountain ranges and walking trails in and out of the city are a major part of the breathtaking views you get wherever you go in Seattle. My personal favorite is Mount Rainier, which is approximately 2.5 hours away.

The drive is far, but so worth it; you get to experience witnessing an active volcano and hiking trails for beginners and pros alike. Olympic National Park is another amazing destination that combines alpine, rainforest and meadows into one of the largest wilderness areas of Washington state. 

Probably one of the best places in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is a guaranteed “good time” with adventure, site-seeing and LOTS of coffee!

If you aren’t the biggest fan of winter like me, the weather in State College has been kind of miserable (the snow is pretty, the cold not so much :(). Although we probably won’t get warm weather for a few more months, I thought it would be the perfect time to get into some more of my tropical bucket list destinations, starting with Belize. It’s warm year long with January, the coldest month, having a “low” average temperature of 75 F (I wish that was our low in PA). Located next to the Caribbean Sea, Belize is a Central American country known for its stunning rainforests, coral reefs and mini islands.

First up: Caye Caulker. 

Measuring only 5 miles long, Caye Caulker is still surprisingly the second largest of Belizean cayes — and there’s nearly 400! —and offers a beautiful and serene shoreline. It is often less visited in comparison to the more sophisticated and luxurious Ambergris Caye, but is a popular stop for anyone seeking a budget-friendly trip. What really caught my eye about this particular caye was its carefree and relaxed environment with welcoming residents; their motto is literally “go slow” with street signs like “No Shirt, No Shoes…No Problem.” 

One of the most relaxing places has to be the “Split,” a divide in the island caused by a narrow channel (which was actually created due to the destructive 165-mph winds of Hurricane Hattie in 1961).

Now, it’s a cherished hangout for locals and tourists alike, offering watersports, snorkeling and good food. If you are 18 and older, you can even check out the legendary Lazy Lizard Bar with its own rooftop lounge for, you guessed it, the best views. 

The island also boasts amazing sites for manatee and alligator-watching (which I never knew was a thing) or a 100-acre forest reserve with lush mangrove trees and plenty of exotic animals. Perfect for animal enthusiasts and adventurists alike!

Next up is San Ignacio, or more commonly known as Cayo. This popular town in Cayo district is primarily a hub for backpackers to rest before continuing their journey to Guatemala, but it’s also a treasure trove full of cultural significance. Cahal Pech and Xunantunich are two very popular archaeological ruins that offer a glimpse into Mayan culture thousands of years ago.

Both could be hiked alone but if you hope to get the amazing story behind the ancient civilization, I definitely recommend joining a tour group that often starts at 50 BZD (25 USD) for two hours. If hiking is not your thing, Burns street, the main street in Cayo with bustling markets and stalls selling everything from vegetables, medicinal herbs and artwork, may be up your alley for an afternoon adventure.

One last place I wanted to mention in Cayo is the Green Hills Butterfly Ranch. If you know me, I love anything botanical and butterfly so when I learned that it’s home to more than 30 native butterfly species and flowers, I knew it was going on my bucket list. 

Just writing this post in the middle of a winter storm made me want to go to Belize even more and I can’t wait until I am soaking in the rays in the Caribbean one day!

It has been nearly 2 months since my last post and after a very long and relaxing winter break, I am back with more places on my bucket list! This week, I wanted to do a little something different and actually talk about a place I visited during break: New York City.

I know, I know this is pretty much a stereotypical place to visit with many making multiple trips in their lifetime if they live in a nearby state. However, shockingly, I only went once when I was in elementary school to see the Statue of Liberty and Empire State building. This time, I was definitely looking forward to the attractions and sites that make the Big Apple so great!

If you travel by train to Penn Station like I did, you will instantly be hit with a waft of doughy cheese and garlic. If you keep following it, you will end up in front of Joe’s Pizza in TImes Square, which is probably the home of some of the best cheese pizza I have ever tasted. First founded in a Greenwich village pizzeria in 1975, the restaurant quickly opened other locations in NYC and around the world. Although their pizza has a crunchy crust and mouth-watering toppings that secured their place on every “Best Pizza in NYC” list, Joe’s Pizza became even more popular due to its appearance in movies. It was first featured in the 2004 film Spider-Man 2 where Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) worked as a delivery boy and was fired for insubordination.

The next stop on my trip: the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Met, as it is more commonly known as, is located in the Upper East Side and is a quick subway ride away from Times Square. But, going into the museum is everything but a quick tourist stop.

Spanning nearly 2.2 million square feet with more than 2 million works in 17 different cultural departments, this famous art museum is one of the largest in the Americas and can take nearly 10 hours to see everything it offers! Although I didn’t get that much time, I was very impressed by how comprehensive the works were; I saw European paintings, costumes, and even armor.

If you are short on time like me, here’s a list of pieces you MUST see (I covered about 90% of them!!). I will definitely have to make another trip and I certainly would not mind, especially with the nice student discount to enter 🙂

Of course, coming to NYC means that you must take in the skyline to get the whole Big Apple experience. Sadly, we had to catch the train back home, so I never got to go to any observation decks. But luckily, I had enough time to see Highline Park located in Western Manhattan. Taking inspiration from a similar 1993 project in Paris, Highline Park was actually once part of an abandoned NY Central Railroad that was converted into an elevated lush public park.

Not only can you walk the 1.45 mile trail, but you can also see the cityscape across the Hudson River. Definitely a beautiful way to end you time in the big city!

NYC is a city I have visited before, but still remains on my bucket list due to the massive amounts of opportunities and attractions yet to be seen.

Wow, this is already my 8th blog post and the last one for this semester. Time really flies! 🙂 This week, I really wanted to talk about Sydney, Australia because although I never visited the city, I have cousins who live here who tell me intriguing stories about the capital city. Once known for being a British exile colony for convicts, Sydney has quickly become one of the most economically advanced cities in the world. 

When most people think of Sydney, they are probably thinking of the Sydney Opera House. Known for its beautiful 20th century architecture with cascading white shell-shaped roofs that anyone can point out, Sydney Opera House has become an international icon since its opening in 1973.

Its fame and influence is also the reason it is now a UNESCO world heritage site. If you ever get a chance to visit one of the largest opera houses, you must see the over 1,500 musical, dance and dramatic productions put on each year .

Many of these shows are very low-cost or free, making for a very cheap way to enjoy the most notable structure in Sydney. 

The opera house is also set on the massive Sydney Harbor with almost 150 miles of shoreline. Another defining feature of the city, you can also check out the stunning cityline and water views from the Sydney Harbor Bridge with Bridgeclimb. The guides allow you to climb up to the upper arch, making for a very adventurous tourist attraction. 

Also right near the harbor is the Royal Botanic Garden. The garden once was a farm that English settlers established in 1788. Although the crop failed, the land would soon become the Governor’s residence and in 1816, a scientific institution dedicated to botany and horticulture (one of the oldest in the world!). Now, entry to the garden is free and anyone can see the beautiful floral displays and installations.

If you are up for a casual workout, take a 2.4 mile loop to explore everything the botanical garden has to offer, including spectacular views of the opera house and harbor. It’s even a great place for amazing pictures! 

If you couldn’t tell already, many of Sydney’s famous attractions come with a rich history behind them. The Rocks are no different. It was one of the first places that English settlers landed in 1788, naming the city after its rocky peninsula landscape. Now, it is one of the most famous suburban historic areas of Sydney, offering farmer’s markets for street food and handmade crafts.

There are also many restaurants that, once again, offer captivating harbor scenery. Check out the oldest pub that first opened in 1828—Fortune of War. Or if upscale dining is your thing, you must try Altitude, a restaurant perched on top of Shangri-La Hotel, that brings a new meaning to “dine in the sky”

Sydney is an amazing city in the world’s only continent that is also a country. Not only can you find the hustle and bustle of the city, but also a more quaint and quiet way to live life. It is the perfect place for anyone’s bucket list! 

Today’s place is a little bit unusual, because I was actually inspired to visit Cambodia at Penn State. When I first came here, I never thought a class could influence me to add a place to my bucket list, but it did! I first learned about the Southeast Asian country in my anthropology class while researching places known for their archaeological ruins. After taking one look at the vivid and curious pictures, I knew that Cambodia was a place I wanted to look past what was in the course curriculum. 

Starting off with what caught my attention in the first place is Angkor Wat. 

Made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992, Angkor Wat is one of the largest temples in the world. Its history began in the 12th century when it was most likely built by Khmer King Suryavarman II in dedication of Vishnu, the Hindu god of preservation. However, what fascinated me even more than the history was the symbolic design. Interestingly enough, the shape of the temple is supposed to represent Mount Meru (a sacred mountain in Hinduism). There are also thousands of intricate carvings of heavenly nymphs (apsaras). Angkor Wat is so well known that it is even featured on the Cambodian flag!

Cambodia actually has many other temples — more than 4000 to be specific — and they all have rich histories and beautiful architectural styles. Imagine a run-down temple overgrown by trees, sweeping in every direction. This is not a fantasy; it is Ta Prohm, a Bhuddist temple that has been overtaken by the surrounding forest.

Another temple that is just as intriguing is Bayon and the smiling faces that adorn the stone. But if you look closely, the faces actually represent the avatars associated with Buddhism. If you have the time to spare, I think that it is so worth it to visit these temples and see not only how different religions are celebrated, but also how the architecture has changed with time. 

Something a little different is Siem Reap, which is actually at the base of Angkor Wat, but is often overlooked due to the grandiosity of the temple. But this city is a hidden gem. Take in the rich French colonial and classical Chinese architecture while exploring the chic contemporary accommodations.

One of the most famous activities is taking a bicycle or ATV tour of the rice fields and beautiful countryside. If that seems too extreme, you could also try browsing the bustling street markets for traditional crafts, aesthetic cafes and perciular massages (red garra fish maybe?). To end the night, check out Phare, a circus where performers use music, acrobatics, dance and magic to blend traditional and modern Cambodian stories. Highly rated and luxurious, it will truly be a night to remember!

Of course, it wouldn’t be one of my blog posts if I don’t get to mention a beach somewhere 🙂

Today’s location is Koh Rong Samloem, which is more lowkey than the neighboring Thailand’s beaches. The Cambodian shore offers sandy beaches with beach huts and hammocks that will let you end your excursion on a relaxing note. 

So, why go to Cambodia? Well, if you like culturally significant monuments and lowkey beaches, this country is for you!

Amsterdam was a more recent addition to my list, because I always assumed it only had tulips and other than that, it was pretty much a normal city. I was so wrong. The Netherlands capital has amazing pieces of artwork and beautifully preserved historical buildings that transport you back into time. For those who want to experience the perfect blend of cottage core vibes and a solid party scene, Amsterdam definitely deserves a visit!

I think that the first thing I would do when I visit the city is visit the many art museums that are scattered on the streets of Museumkwartier (literally means Museum Quarter in Dutch). The most notable has to be the Rijksmuseum, a national museum that is dedicated to Dutch painting and art by notable artists like Rembrandt and Vermeer. Not only is it the largest and most visited in the country, but it is also home to the RIJKS restaurant that was awarded a Michelin star in 2016. 

If you are looking for the work of Vincent Van Gogh, look no further than the Van Gogh Museum with paintings, drawings and even his written letters. Even if you just have a few hours to spare, these museums will give you a good feel for what Amsterdam’s artistic culture is all about. 

If you don’t take a trip down Amsterdam’s canals, did you even truly visit the city? With more than 62 miles of canals dug out in the past for defense, travel and water management purposes, Amsterdam is often known as the “Venice of the North.” In fact, the canals are one of the reasons why Amsterdam’s streets go in a circle to follow the canal routes. Touring these canals is a staple for any trip, especially if you are able to go on a self-guided tour with one of the many pedal boats.

Visiting during Pride or a music festival? The canals often play a major part in many of the city’s biggest and hottest events. 

Switching gears to land, Dam Square is another tourist attraction that just screams “Amsterdam!” Although its true purpose is serving as a memorial to World War II and the fallen Dutch soldiers, the square has quickly become home to many of the local attractions. Right in the middle stands the Royal Palace, one of three in the Netherlands. The palace was notable in the 19th century when it became the property of King Louis Napoleon; today, it is primarily used for state visits, awards ceremonies and tourist tours.

If you take a 2 minute walk, you will also end up at a more contemporary attraction: Madame Tussauds Amsterdam.

Check out the collection that spans from the Dutch Golden Age to now. If wax figurines are not your thing, there is still so much to do in Dam  Square like shopping, viewing more art, or simply breathing in history. 

Although Amsterdam was never a place I thought I wanted to visit, I am so glad that I had the opportunity to see it in a new light. Tulips are awesome, don’t get me wrong, but the rich culture is what makes the city even more enticing. 

Now that you have been through 4 posts, you may be wondering if you have the ability to go on trips internationally, especially with rising costs of fuel and traveling in general. Like you, I wanted to add some more cost-friendly trips to my bucket list: the US National Parks. With over 400 parks spread across the US mainland and territories, we can explore right at home. Over the years, I have been to a few such as the Smoky Mountains and the Grand Canyon and both were as full of beauty and adventure as some of the other places I mentioned at the fraction of the cost. 

You may be wondering why the United States even has pieces of lands designated as “national parks.” The idea really started when environmentalists began to lobby for wildlife and land preservation. However, it never took off until Ferdinand Hayden, who led a federal geological survey, uncovered a number of “strange features” in Yellowstone valley. As a result, Hayden pushed for Congress to pass legislation in 1872 to make it a national park. Shortly after in 1916, the National Park Service Organic Act was passed to “protect other preserved land for  future generations to enjoy” according to the National Park Service. 

Obviously, the first park we have to look at is Yellowstone located in Wyoming with some portions of the park extending into Montana and Idaho. Due to Hayden, Yellowstone became the first national park in the US and in the world. Famous for being the location of more than half of the world’s active geysers, Yellowstone offers stunning and scientifically incredible geothermal attractions. I highly recommend seeing the iconic Old Faithful that erupts every 44 min with a height of up to 180ft (over 4 school buses long!).

Next, check out Grand Prismatic Spring. Saying it’s colorful is like saying fire is hot. The striking array of rainbow colors is actually due to bacteria in certain regions of the water scattering white light differently!

The next national park I want to visit is interestingly home of some of the Apple macOS backgrounds. Taking up nearly 1,200 square miles in central California, Yosemite is known for its unique granite rock formations crystallized from glaciers moving around the Sierra Nevada. Two that are famous among rock climbers are Half Dome and El Capitan.

If you are like me and want something less extreme, the national park is also known for some of the tallest waterfalls like Yosemite and Ribbon Falls. Although it is a hard hike, the payoff is spectacular: unobstructed views of the park. 

Now, imagine mounds of sandstone towering over you in peculiar shapes and sizes. Some may be loops while others resemble arcs. Arches National Park in Utah offers all of this and more.

There are actually over 2000 of these arches, formed by thousands of years of erosion.  One of the most famous has to be hiking up the Delicate Arch trail. Ironically, there isn’t anything delicate about it; the moderate-difficulty hike is 3 miles roundtrip with some steep climbs and limited shade from the blazing Utah sun. However, you’ll be greeted by the largest arch in the park that has become a commonly recognized landmark of the beehive state. 

These 4 parks are like a grain of sand at a beach when compared to the hundreds of national parks we have access to in this country. The few that I have been to were not only cost-effective but offered me to see more nature than I am used to in southeastern PA. So, venture out and explore what nature has to offer in your own backyard!